My Artist Statement

This show is a celebration. It is the celebration of ability and accomplishment. My desire is to show the individuality and uniqueness of each one of my friends. These pictures are representations of who each person is despite their disabilities. Each person’s story includes their disability, but it does not define who they are. My friends have taught me about strength and endurance. Many have overcome extreme adversity only to come out with smiles on their faces. None of my friends are perfect, anyone close to them will tell you that. Their imperfections are what make them unique. The families that have surrounded my friends have overcome just as many obstacles, if not more. They show me what love is and what it means to love unconditionally.
I have overcome my own adversity. Art has taught me about my own endurance. I have often wondered where art is going to take me. I don’t know what the future holds but I do know that my heart is to encourage those who need someone to believe in them. Art has taught me more about myself than I ever thought possible. I am continually learning to silence my inner critic. I could not be someone who could encourage and believe in someone else if I could not believe in myself.
My own family has shown me what love is. Without them, I would not be here. They have been my constant among the chaos of school and my life. My family has always believed in me and been a support for all of my decisions. I could never have accomplished what I have if it was not for their reassurance and encouragement.
This show is my heart. I have achieved something I never thought possible-to take pictures and show everyone my love for people. So this show is not only about people with disabilities overcoming obstacles-its about all of us achieving what we never thought could be attained.

A Growing Process

Its amazing to think what has happened in my life in the past year. I am surprised by what I have survived. There were times when I didnt think I would. I have experienced more than I ever thought I could handle and yet I did. I often wondered, and sometimes still do, if God was punishing me. I just couldnt get my head above water. Every time I felt like things were going to be okay something drastic would happen. God broke me. I am learning what His grace is. Our punishment has already been taken. He brought me to a place where I had no where to go but to Him. People have often said that to me and sometimes it really pissed me off. I didnt want anyone to preach to me. I know all the answers. Intellectually, I know what the gospel is about. I can tell anyone about God's grace and mercy. Everyone deserved it but me. In my desperation, I had no where to turn. I tried to run but it didnt work. I got a tattoo almost three years ago that means Beloved and Worthy of Love. I got it because I wanted to believe that. Now I am starting to. I dont think that this is the end. God took me to a place where I had to trust Him. I am growing and maturing but it is a process.